KICK AND RUSH and VAN BAVEL merge

The companies KICK AND RUSH and VAN BAVEL – Enjoy Giving have merged to form the KICK AND RUSH GROUP. According to a statement from the two companies, “this strategic merger makes the Belgian group one of the most important players in Western Europe” in the merchandising sector.

The newly formed KICK AND RUSH GROUP aims to create “authentic connections between brands, companies and people by offering lean solutions with a human touch”.

“The right product in the right form that supports a clear strategy is what will create an authentic connection between your brand and your audience,” says Tom Verhaert, CEO of KICK AND RUSH. “VAN BAVEL – Enjoy Giving has an excellent reputation in the branded goods sector, working with renowned brands such as Chiquita, Barry Callebaut, Volkswagen (D’Ieteren) and Makita. Their expertise fits in perfectly with KICK AND RUSH’s extensive client list, which includes Toyota, Veolia, Dassault, Daikin, Komatsu and many others,” Verhaert continues.

While VAN BAVEL – Enjoy Giving has many years of experience in drop shipping and managing individual projects, KICK AND RUSH distinguishes itself through its approach to comprehensive global and local merchandising programmes. The company specialises in the creation of fully integrated digital solutions, web shops and warehousing, offering its customers total transparency and security.

Expertise and transparency in ESG are essential qualities that the new KICK AND RUSH GROUP, now strengthened by VAN BAVEL – Enjoy Giving, brings to the table. As a result of the merger, the Kick And Rush Group will achieve a combined turnover of 30 million euros, according to the press release. As a result of the merger, Van Bavel – Enjoy Giving and Kick And Rush will be seamlessly integrated into the Kick And Rush Group. Michel Van Bavel, former CEO of Van Bavel – Enjoy Giving, will assume the position of Chief Growth Officer.

Tom Verhaert, CEO of Kick And Rush, comments: “Our customers demand real transparency and reliability. It was therefore an obvious decision to combine the expertise and technology of both companies into one strong team. While we already export to over 90 countries, this merger strengthens us to meet the needs of Western European organisations. Customers will benefit from this merger as it combines the best of both worlds, offering even more experience, creativity and expertise both locally and globally.

Michel Van Bavel, CEO of Van Bavel, added: “Joining forces with KICK AND RUSH allows us to take our more than 70 years of experience and expertise to the next level. Our flair for creative proposals, our skill in sourcing the right object and our flair for customer care are now complemented by a solid technical and organisational framework. In addition, by adding sustainability experts to our team, we can offer enhanced support for reporting and compliance, e.g. for CSRD.”

About the companies

Kick And Rush offers comprehensive branded merchandise solutions, from custom item creation to fulfilment and fulfilment. With operational systems including e-commerce solutions and a state-of-the-art warehouse, the growing team of merchandising experts works to create authentic connections between brands, businesses and people.

Since 1953, VAN BAVEL – Enjoy Giving has been a successful promotional merchandise specialist. The experienced team takes care of effective campaigns from brainstorming to delivery. The portfolio includes original promotional items, premiums and POS materials. “Thanks to our network of reliable partners, we guarantee competitive prices and delivery times while adhering to CSR and sustainability standards. With almost seventy years of experience, VAN BAVEL is a trustworthy partner in the promotional products sector with a strong presence in Flanders,” says the company. www.kickandrush.com  

Picture: (from left): Thibaut Fontaine (Chairman of Board of Directors Kick and Rush), Michel van Bavel (Founder of Van Bavel), Tom Verhaert (CEO Kick and Rush). Photo: KICK AND RUSH